Memorial Day 2017: “We are the Land of the Free Because We are the Home of the Brave…”
We interrupt our typical style of blogging gastroenterology topics to bring you best wishes for the great American holiday known as Memorial Day. We hope you will hold our wishes in your hearts long after the holiday, after the picnics and parties are over.
In the first place, at DDC Orlando, we want to state that Memorial Day is a time to remember the military men and women who have given their final sacrifice, their lives, to defend the American way of life. This is the time to recognize, respect and remember them for their sense of duty and their commitment to courage.
Memorial Day With Family, Friends and Food!
Likewise, we know the Memorial Week-end signifies the official beginning of the summer season. We know this is the time for picnics and parties. Family and friends will enjoy food and celebrations in parks and backyards across Florida and across the nation.
As summer begins, we all enjoy the beauty of our parks, beaches and backyards. Thus, in honor of our outdoor lifestyle that is our summer custom. Please allow the Digestive Disease Consultants to give you a few summer digestive health tips. See if you can guess what summer digestive issue unites these six helpful tips. Through using these tummy tips, we hope to help you enjoy your picnics, but prevent you from an Emergency Room visit.
Beware of Cook-out and Picnic Dangers on Memorial Day!
So, we invite you to keep this list handy during May 29th, 2017 and beyond, as we begin our summer holiday week-ends and vacations.
1. It’s A Great Time for Florida Fruits and Vegetables: However, these gifts from nature need to be properly washed and cleaned before eating. Additionally, be sure food-preparation surfaces, cooking surfaces and barbeque utensils and grills are clean before you use them. And cleaned before eating.
Memorial Day: Celebrate with Food–Safely!
Additionally, be sure food-preparation surfaces, cooking surfaces and barbeque utensils and grills are clean before you use them.
2. Mom was Right: Clean hands are conducive to healthy eating. So, we recommend using an antibacterial hand gel if you cannot provide water and soap for a pre-meal clean-up.
3. Grill, Sauté, broil or fry your Memorial Day Meats: However, we hope you will not serve it rare or half-cooked.
4. Raw vs. Cooked Food Storage Space: Another important note that will keep your cook-out healthy is to be sure you separate raw meats and cooked foods.
In the wise words of a four year old we know, you don’t want raw chicken “juice” on your potato salad.
5. Also, Refrigerate when you marinate! The Digestive Disease Consultants hope you keep that chicken you are marinating in the refrigerator or in the cooler prior to cooking.
6. Beware! Be Temperature Aware: Did you know the FDA states that cold food should be stored at a temperature of less than 40 F? We know you have heard about the dangers of unrefrigerated mayonnaise, but all food should be put in the refrigerator or the cooler within an hour if the “if the outdoor temperature is above 90 F., or after two hours any other time.”
Memorial Day Danger: Food Poisoning!
Don’t let the digestive issue of food poisoning ruin your Memorial Day outing! You might have guessed that all our above food safety tips will help you avoid a major summer digestive issue: food poisoning! According to the Mayo Clinic, “Food poisoning, also called foodborne illness, is illness caused by eating contaminated food. Infectious organisms — including bacteria, viruses and parasites — or their toxins are the most common causes of food poisoning.”
Put briefly, signs and symptoms of food poisoning include: nausea and vomiting as well as diarrhea. Other symptoms can include fever, headache and blood in the stool or vomit. More than a little tummy ache, abdominal pain and cramping can become severe. Likewise, an infected person might become dizzy or light-headed. You might even hear complaints of “blurry vision, muscle weakness and tingling in the arms.”
Although we all know the treatments of rest, fluids and bland foods, we also need to know that sometimes the illness might demand medical attention. If symptoms are intense or persistent, call your doctor.
Memorial Day Message and Pride
In the honor of our fallen heroes, we present the lyrics of a song that holds the patriotic meaning behind this great USA summer holiday. People will sing these words quite often on May 29th, but we hope they are words you will cherish all year long.
“God Bless The USA” By Lee Greenwood and Gladness Beard Jennings
Remember the Fallen on Memorial Day!
If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d worked for all my life
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife
I’d thank my lucky stars to be livin’ here today
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away.
And I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land
God bless the USA
From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee
Across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea
From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA
Well, there’s pride in every American heart
And it’s time we stand and say that–
–I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free!
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land! God bless the USA!
Once again, from our families at DDC Orlando, to yours,